Bondo Body Filler

What most people are referring to when they just say bondo. This is basically a 2-part material that is used to fill in cracks and holes. It is very much like plastic when dry.

• It is much stronger than most other fillers such as Wood Filler.
• It is called body filler because it is the standard for fixing car body damage when it is too expensive to replace the part.

If you need to fill holes, but dont need the strength of bondo, it is usually better to use something else such as Wood Filler, although there are times when bondo is the best solution.

The higher ratio of red hardener to base used, the quicker the hardening time. This is different than drying time, the transition time between unable and hard is always quick, but the amount of hardener used will change the usable time. But make sure not to use too little hardener or it will never harden

Because the product is often hard to remove once hardened, it is usually best to mix (in & with) and apply with disposable utensils.

Because the bondo will usually dry before you are able to use your mixed batch, mixing small batches is often the best. Because of this announce of having to mix up several small batches for one job, it is often much easier to use Bondo's one part filler. (Hardener is premixed in a toothpaste type tube, and you just squeeze out what you need).

Many students frown upon its use because of the smell and dust that comes from sanding it, let alone its environmental and health hazards.

The red (sometimes blue) catalyst is MEK peroxide. The "MEK" stands for methyl ethyl ketone, an aromatic chemical compound that is rather dangerous to one's health, hence the warnings on the filler labels that tell you to use the materials in a ventilated area or use a proper respirator. Product can irritate skin as well, and latex (or other) gloves are recommended when using.